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  • For Business
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  • For Community
    • New Year's Eve >
      • Midnight Ball
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2023 Event Forecast and Trends

1/14/2023

 
MBD Marketing & Events has been in the industry for over 16 years and has seen A LOT in our time. Analyzing what we have booked this year, what our clients are talking about, what we are learning in the courses we take, and reading what our industry partners have to say.... here is what you can expect from meetings and events in 2023.
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2023 Event Forecast and Trends

Colorado’s economy is expected to continue growing in 2023 — slowly. This is good news. Colorado’s economy is expected to grow slightly in 2023 — by a little over 1 percent, and inflation is predicted to drop to 4.6 percent according to the December economic forecast from Legislative Council Staff, the state’s nonpartisan fiscal analysts. While we may see some hesitation to spend big in some areas of business... economic growth helps with consumer confidence.

​Meeting professionals expect in-person events and budgets to increase in 2023, according to American Express Meetings & Events.

The 12th annual Global Meetings & Events Forecast found that more than three quarters (77 per cent) of respondents are optimistic about the health of the industry heading into 2023 (rating eight or above out of 10) – a six-point increase compared to last year’s survey. ​And when it comes to budgets, just under two thirds (65 per cent) said that overall M&E spend is increasing for 2023.
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MBD engages closely with Cvent and always anticipates their annual report.
​
Below are ​Cvent’s 14 Meeting & Event Trends for 2023

Trend 1 – Planners are not only planning more meetings, they anticipate a surge in future bookings.
Trend 2 – There’s a renewed focus on return on time/experience/investment for attendees, especially as costs increase.
Trend 3 – Social activism will play a big role in how meetings are planned.
Trend 4 – Hotels need to adapt to “a triple threat” (in-person, hybrid and virtual).
Trend 5 – Event planners will refocus on and prioritize health and wellness activities.
Trend 6 – Planners are choosing leisure destinations more frequently, perhaps even over metro centers.
Trend 7 – Virtual reality is no longer just for video games. It may soon make event planning easier and more efficient.
Trend 8 – Google’s shift away from third-party cookies will impact online advertising strategies.
Trend 9 – Smaller meetings may increasingly become a preferred option, especially for luxury events.
Trend 10 – Special events will increasingly become multiday celebrations.
Trend 11 – In-person meetings are a vital part of maintaining and rebuilding workplace culture.
Trend 12 – Reaching event planners with influencer marketing and placing additional emphasis on video content will become more common.
Trend 13 – An increased focus on diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in the meetings and events industry.
Trend 14 – New planners increasingly seek out special venues, outdoor events and unique settings.
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Colorado is especially well-suited for trends 5, 6, 10, and 14 when working with planners seeking health and wellness activities, leisure destinations, multiday offerings, and unique/outdoor settings. Diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) also is at the forefront.
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Meetings + Events Magazine predicts significant meeting & event recovery in 2023.  

​As reporting just weeks ago, in an update to its U.S. Meetings Recovery Forecast (MRF) released late last year, Knowland predicts that 2023 will be a year of growth and not just another year of recovery. The company, known for providing data insights on meetings and events for the hospitality industry, also offered an updated Top 25 U.S. Meetings Recovery Forecast (MRF25).

Knowland added the MRF25 in February 2022 examine industry recovery patterns for the top 25 U.S. markets. These cities include Anaheim, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, Nashville, New Orleans, New York, Norfolk, Oahu Island, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, St. Louis, Tampa, and Washington, D.C.
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Meeting Professionals International (MPI) has released their Fall 2022 Meetings Outlook report that indicates that many meeting professionals are reporting their business is back to pre-pandemic levels. However, rising costs and insufficient resources (both staff and budgets) are expected to be trends in 2023.

Price hikes have hit virtually every area of the industry, with 64% of planners and suppliers calling it a seller’s market. As a result, 78% are seeking new revenue opportunities for their meetings and events.
While 65% expect their budgets to increase in 2023, the growth likely won’t keep pace with rising costs.
Staffing is still an issue, with 62% of survey respondents indicating they are still having trouble filling staff vacancies.

A year ago, only 3% or respondents said their business levels had returned to pre-pandemic levels. Now, 32% indicate full recovery with 31% implying it will happen sometime in 2023 and the remaining 37% in 2024 or later. Great news!
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The MBD Marketing & Events team has seen first-hand an increase in meetings, events and retreats. What we have noticed most is that clients are looking for NEW and CREATIVE ways to meet, connect and engage. We pride ourselves on our resourcefulness, connections and creativity. We anticipate growth in 2023 and even more so in 2024.
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Making Business Personal
As a connected collective of experts, My Big Day specializes in creativity. With superior organization, marketing experience and original ideas, we pull off amazing events and campaigns! 

My Big Day makes business personal by bringing JOY to the job in everything we do.
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As purveyors of fun with My Big Day, we support businesses and individuals in the growth of their ideas, events and marketing strategies. Our creative aptitude allows for unique ideas. Our passion for perfection makes every client a priority!


Contact MBD Marketing & Events
​​
*** Bringing Joy to the Job ***

Phone: 970-613-1455  or  303-886-3068
Email U

9 Wedding Bar Trends for 2022

12/28/2021

 
​Almost a third of brides-to-be get engaged over the holidays, which means some of you will be stocking up on wedding magazines and poring over wedding checklists in the coming weeks (or maybe you already are, while you wait for that ring – we won’t judge). Weddings are part of our business at MBD Marketing & Events --- and for our client, On the Rocks, so we like to keep up with the latest trends, including this list of nine wedding bar trends for 2022.
 
Did you know 2.6 million weddings are forecast to happen in the U.S. in 2022? That’s the most since almost 40 years ago, in 1984. If you’re one of these millions getting married in the new year, read on for what’s “in” in 2022. 
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​Mobile Bars
 
Hey, that’s us! Mobile bars are still big for 2022, especially those that are serviced. Portable or permanent bars are traditional at wedding venues, but traditional can get a bit boring. Opt for a unique, whimsical mobile bar like our Pearl instead. You’ll stand out from the rest and get tailored service from our TIPS-certified bartenders.
 
Mocktails and Low-ABV Cocktails
 
Having guests at your wedding who don’t drink alcohol is nothing new. But more and more brides and grooms are deciding they’d rather avoid drunken family drama and other inappropriate guest behavior by offering alcohol-free mocktails or “low-alcohol by volume” cocktails.
 
Non-alcoholic beer has been around for decades, but alcohol-free spirits mimicking the taste of tequila, vodka, and flavored liqueurs are increasingly popular. Low-ABV cocktails still contain alcohol, but in percentages similar to those of beer and wine, rather than hard liquor. 
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​Customization and Personalization
 
We love the trend of couples wanting to infuse every part of their big day with their personalities and interests, and this includes cocktails. The signature cocktail came about as a way for couples to create their own drinks, rather than follow recipes from a bar book. Consider a signature cocktail for each newlywed, or one that celebrates the couple.
 
Special touches like monogrammed drink stirrers or personalized napkins are another way to make a statement.
 
Creative Presentations
 
The signature cocktail movement has translated into seemingly endless cocktail presentation possibilities. Couples with a carnival theme may serve drinks in striped cups rimmed with frosting and sprinkles, movie buffs might skewer popcorn for a garnish, and dessert fanatics can serve boozy milkshakes in cookie cups or ice cream cones.
 
Fresh Floral Bar Decor
 
Fresh flowers and greenery aren’t only for bouquets and boutonnieres. Bars are becoming a decor focal point at weddings, incorporating the style of the wedding ceremony and reception. Whether your budget allows for some sprigs of greenery or elaborate bar arrangements, fresh florals make your bar an inviting focal point instead of an afterthought.
 
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​Canned Beers, Wines, and Cocktails
 
Canned drinks are ideal for small, intimate weddings or at venues with a strict no-glass rule. They’re also convenient, with less spilling and easier cleanup. You’ll save money on drinkware rentals and washing. Plus, there are so many canned alcoholic beverages available these days, you can find can designs to suit your wedding colors or theme.
 
It’s still good practice to let an experienced bartender (like our TIPS-certified ones) be in charge of canned drinks, to prevent incidents due to guests being over-served. In Colorado, for example, you could even be held liable for an over-served guest who drinks and drives after your event.
 
Vintage Drinks
 
Traditional cocktails are back in style, most notably the aptly-named Old Fashioned. Vintage touches lend elegance to modern weddings. Even the champagne tower, where champagne is poured over a tower of old-fashioned champagne coupes, is making a comeback that doubles as both refreshment and eye-catching decoration.
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re-Ceremony Refreshment Bar
 
Another growing trend is the pre-ceremony refreshment bar, which offers guests non-alcoholic options like fruit-infused waters in summer or a hot chocolate station in the winter. It’s not a bad idea to provide some light snacks too, especially for guests who traveled a long way the day of the ceremony and to prevent fainting at a hot summer wedding.
 
Themed Bar and Drinks
 
Your bar and drinks can emulate the overall style of your wedding, or you can get creative with themed cocktails and bar decorations that mean something to you as a couple. One popular option is a travel-themed bar, with cocktails from countries or regions you’ve traveled to as a couple.
 
A cocktail hour bar can also be decorated to suit a theme different from your ceremony and reception style, such as a favorite hobby of the groom or the couple. Drinks themselves can be customized to suit that theme, with creative names and garnishes.
Need a wedding planning team? Look no further than the gals at MBD Marketing & Events!
You can learn more about our Colorado and Wyoming wedding packages HERE.

Ready to book mobile bar services for your 2022 wedding? 
Contact ON THE ROCKS now. Choose from one of their ready-made packages, or they can create a custom package for you. 
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10 Bridal Style Trends for 2018

1/4/2018

 
A guest blog by our friends, MyWedStyle.com
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For brides who love fashion—and binge-watching TLC’s Say Yes to the Dress—wedding dress shopping can easily be the most exciting part of wedding planning. What’s not to love about fifty shades of white satin, tons of tulle and every kind of lace imaginable at your fingertips? This is your chance to play the fairy tale princess and pick the dress that fits you best.
 
Wondering what’s hot on the runways for the 2018 wedding season (and what Meghan Markle might be sporting for the royal wedding)? This year’s bridal style trends are all about accessories and showing strategic skin.

  1. Capes: In place of boleros, bridal designers have been showcasing breathtakingly beautiful capes and capelets. This royal-inspired trend can simply brush the shoulders or sweep dramatically to the floor (Think: Sheer tulle and lace or superhero-like solids).
  2. Gloves: Short to elbow-length gloves have once again become an elegant addition to bridal gowns. Sheer or lacy gloves can be used for a subtle touch, while satin can be used to make a bold statement.
  3. Off-the-shoulder dresses: Much like the popular off-the-shoulder clothing trend this past summer and fall, wedding dresses are now sporting many lacey off-the-shoulder and cold-shoulder looks.
  4. Separate sleeves: Sleeves worn separately from the gown (or slightly attached) are big this year from many bridal designers (some have called this the “arm warmers” trend).
  5. Puffed sleeves: Believe it or not, this 80s trend has made a 2018 comeback. Puffed sleeves made of white satin or see-through tulle can add a different silhouette to the arm.

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6. Bountiful bows: You’ll see many dresses with statement bows in new (and surprising) places for the 2018 wedding season. This includes giant back bows and dainty shoulder bow accents.

7. Pale blue gowns: Now you can really channel Cinderella! This year’s dresses have layers of slightly-tinted blue tulle or blue shimmering accents for an icy bridal effect.

8. Saloon-inspired dresses: Runways for the 2018 wedding season saw many different details and accessories reminiscent of an 1800s-saloon look, including high necks, lacy neck collars, delicate fringe and side ruching.

9. Drapey dresses: One 2018 trend is gowns with extra, flowy fabric that trails behind (that is often removable). Because this acts the same as a cathedral-length veil, this train can serve double duty in lieu of a longer veil.

10. Short dresses and bridal pantsuits: The 2018 wedding season holds many different options for the unconventional or non-traditional bride. Look for hi-low, tea length, or minidress options and swoon-worthy bridal pants or pantsuits.

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For more bridal style tips, be sure to check out the MyWedStyle blog.
If you’re looking for lovingly-made, fun & unique wedding products, be sure to visit us at www.mywedstyle.com.

Upcoming Trends for Fall Weddings

9/27/2017

 
Autumn is a beloved time of year for many. This makes it the backdrop for planning a joyous wedding celebration. From cooler temperatures, to warm delicious drinks, to the transitioning colors of falling leaves—there are so many beautiful elements that go along with this season—all of which can provide inspiration for the wedding of a lifetime. To help with the planning process, here are some of the top wedding trends that go along well with this upcoming fall season.
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Inspiring Autumn Palettes
 
Fall represents a distinct time of year often recognized by traditional color combinations to include red, yellow, orange, and brown. These are colors that are often also included into fall wedding décor. The great thing about these colors is that variations of these hues can also make for an even more spectacular wedding day. Colors such as chocolate, mustard, rust, gold, cognac, and plum are all awe-inspiring shades that can truly represent a couple’s personal aesthetic. With truly unlimited color options, there is no wonder why so many choose to celebrate their union in the fall. From lush autumn floral arrangements to lavish centerpieces with floral accents and greenery, these warm shades can provide the perfect palette for a very special wedding occasion.
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Maximized Use of Space

Another trend for fall weddings is the maximized use of venue space. Today’s trendsetting brides and grooms are searching for new ways in which they can tap into the unused space that is left free of décor on their wedding day. From grandiose wall hangings, to elevated centerpieces with floral accents, to low hanging decorations like string lights from the ceiling, couples are finding creative ways to use all available space for weddings that are truly amazing. The maximized use of vertical space creates beautiful imagery and visual impact for a memorable experience. Using every inch of available space is a perfect way to celebrate the fall with wedding décor that will surely leave a great impression on all guests in attendance.
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Florals Straight from the Garden
 
Another upcoming trend this fall is the use of rustic florals that appear to have been hand-picked straight from the garden. These wildflower arrangements include earthy, neutral, unexpected blooms for a wedding vibe that not only connects with nature, but is distinctly fall. For instance, traditional flowers like peonies, orchids, gardenias or roses can be paired with succulents, eucalyptus, and other greenery for an organic look and feel. What’s so unique about these bouquets and floral arrangements is that they do not have to look perfect to make a statement. The best natural arrangements will say so much about a couple’s personal taste and style. No matter if the wedding is traditional, romantic, dramatic, or outdoorsy, there is an organic floral combination for every personality type. 
 
When it comes to planning for your big day, consider any of these upcoming trends for an exciting fall wedding event. Autumn-themed color combinations, strategic use of vertical space, and garden-inspired bouquets are all at the top of the list for this year’s upcoming fall weddings. Couples can plan the wedding of their dreams by embracing these trendy autumn trends for the most memorable, heartfelt occasion.
Authored by contributing writer, Shannon Lochwood.
Shannon Lochwood currently lives in Southern California. She has a passion for weddings and loves to write about anything related to special "I do" moments. In her free time she loves to hike and spend time with her family and her two lovely dogs

@shannonlochwood
http://shannonlochwood.weebly.com/

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Beauty Trends for Brides

10/28/2014

 
-by Jessica Weimer

When thinking about your wedding day, most brides picture it to be the day they are most beautiful. Your hair and makeup needs to be perfect and everything you’ve ever dreamed of. Now-a-days there are so many different options to choose from that it can seem like an endless possibility of choices! Here is some examples of My Big Day’s favorite wedding day looks!

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CLASSIC
We love this look because it is perfect for the girl who doesn’t want a lot of eye makeup but also wants to make a statement. Red lips are beautiful on brides! The key to this look is the winged eyeliner and soft grey or brown shadowing on the eye. This is a great look for a bride wanting a vintage flair, as it is reminiscent of the 20’s.


SMOKEY EYE
This look is definitely more of a sultry look and really emphasizes the eyes. This look is ideal with a nude or simpler lip, you don’t want too much going on with such a dark eye it would be overwhelming. This makeup is perfect if you are looking to be a glam bride!

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The NO MAKE-UP LOOK
If you are the bride who wants something all natural and doesn’t want to fuss with too much on your face, these looks could be perfect for you. We recommend at least a touch of foundation to make your skin look flawless in pictures and maybe a little blush to bring some color in. A little eye pencil around your eyes will make your eyes pop without looking overdone as well as a little mascara. We picture this on the boho bride or the mountain bride.


UNIQUE BRIDAL LOOKS
If none of these ideas work for you, then maybe you’re the bride who wants to try something a little different and unusual on her wedding day. You should try an eye shadow color that isn’t super trendy or a lip color that is really dark and stands out. Or if you are going with a theme you can do your makeup to match!  Be Uniquely You!

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My Big Day is an Event Planning company based in Northern Colorado.
We specialize in weddings, private parties, corporate events, non-profit fundraisers, and our own signature events.
As event planners, we serve the entire front range; Northern Colorado, Southern Wyoming and mountain venues.

My Big Day llc
Phone: 970-613-1455  or  303-886-3068
Email Us
Located in Loveland, CO
www.MyBigDayCompany.com

Fallicious Cocktails

10/20/2014

 
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-by Randi Juric

Oh, it’s that time of year!  Cool weather, warm smells, fall colors and Pumpkin!
It’s cocktail time.!!!   There are so many new recipes out there for that special fall taste. After doing a little research My Big Day has found our top 3 favorites for this season. From hot to cold it was a lot of hard work and took many hours. We started with the warm and worked over to the cold. 

It was a tough call to pick our favorites. There are so many good ones to choose from. The highlight for us was the moonshine. It comes in a plethora of flavors from apple pie, blueberry, blackberry to Pumpkin Spice Moon shine and it can be enjoyed on any kind of day.   Hot or cold, it’s delish. We recommend trying the many flavors of fall.

Join us in our quest to taste the flavors of fall and find your recipe.

Please enjoy the recipes below!
 Apple Pie Moonshine
  2 quarts apple juice
  2 quarts apple cider
  2-4 cinnamon sticks
  6 whole cloves
  1 cup brown sugar
  1 cup white sugar
  1 (750 ml) bottle of 100 to 150 proof alcohol such as vodka or Everclear®

Combine apple juice, cider, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and both sugars in a large stockpot. Heat over medium heat and bring almost to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, and cover. Simmer for about one hour. Cool completely.

Strain out cloves and cinnamon sticks and stir in alcohol. If giving as gifts, pour into sanitized mason jars. Otherwise, serve hot or cold garnished with a cinnamon stick and/or apple slice. Let stand for 5-10 days for potency.
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Kahlua Hot Chocolate 
   1                       Chocolate syrup drizzle
  1                       Caramel, Salted drizzle
  1/4 tsp            Cinnamon
  1 1/2 tbs.         Cocoa powder, Dutch-processed unsweetened
  1 Pinch            Nutmeg
  2 tbs.               Sugar
  2 cups             Milk
 1                       Marshmallows, Mini
 1 oz.                 Kahlua coffee liqueur (or pumpkin spice Kahlua)

In a medium saucepan, combine milk, sugar, cocoa powder, cinnamon and nutmeg over medium heat until heated through, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in Kahlúa. Serve immediately, garnished with mini marshmallows, salted caramel and chocolate syrup, if desired.
Pumpkin Cider Beertail
   3 bottles of Blue Moon Harvest Pumpkin Ale
  1/2 bottle Martinelli’s Sparkling Cider
  4 cinnamon sticks
  4 lemon wedges
  a sprinkle of cinnamon
   
Start with a cinnamon stick. Place one in each glass or, in our case, each mismatched mason jar. Next, pour Blue Moon Pumpkin Ale until the glass is about three quarters full. Next, add your cider. You want a little bit of foam so don’t worry about extra bubbles.

Squeeze a little bit of lemon on top and place wedges on each glass for garnish. Last, add a sprinkle of cinnamon on the top! This brings the cinnamon aroma right into your nose as you take your first sip. Mmmm. (makes 4 glasses)
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  My Big Day has many events throughout the year but two of our favorites are coming up!
  
Halloween:
  http://www.nocoboosandbooze.com/

New Year's Eve
  http://www.eveningattheembassy.com/

Northern Colorado Florists

10/6/2014

 
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Photo by tomKphoto
by Marissa Max

Who doesn’t love the sweet smell of flowers when you walk into a florist’s shop? 

While picking a florist may not be the first thing on your list of “to-do’s” after you get engaged, we definitely recommend shopping around for one after you have picked a venue and a wedding date!  Once you know your venue, you will know what you might need in the way of centerpieces or extra floral arrangements and can describe the style of the venue to the florist so that he or she can help you pick flowers that will suit your style! 

My Big Day has compiled a list of some of the most popular florists in Northern Colorado.  While there are a ton of wonderful florists in the area, we’ve chosen to highlight a handful of unique ones below.  Happy planning!

 
Lace and  Lilies in Fort Collins, CO

Locally owned and operated, Lace & Lilies has quickly grown in the Fort Collins area and is now a very common name among brides all over Colorado. 
Lacey and Lisa, the owners of this shop, are super sweet and wonderful to work with!  They love meeting with their couples and do a wonderful job of capturing exactly what the bride and groom have in mind style-wise.  Lace and Lilies has been featured in numerous online and print magazines including Dainty Obsessions, My Wedding Magazine, Unique Bride, and more.  Their unique style is very popular among brides!  

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Photography by Van Pelt
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Best Day Floral Design in Johnstown, CO

Sharon with Best Day Floral Design has been serving the Northern Colorado area for 18 years now and has designed for more than 1000 weddings and receptions! 

Whether she is designing the perfect bouquet for a bride or a stunning spray for a ceremony gazebo, Best Day Floral makes sure that the bride’s vision is captured in her floral work.  The prices at this shop are also quite reasonable and she is great at working within a couple’s budget.  She is definitely someone that you want to check out!  
 
Florals by Rhonda in Loveland, CO

Rhonda, owner of this local florist shop, loves serving the Northern Colorado area and creates many unique and beautiful floral arrangements and wedding bouquets/boutonnieres for brides all around the area.  Since Florals by Rhonda is an independent florist, she works very closely with the couple in order to create their perfect floral pieces.  Her motto is “Your Moment.  Your Style” meaning that she strives to create a unique floral bouquet for you rather than having you choose from a catalogue of selections.  Rhonda is also great at working to make your flowers reflect your style while still respecting your budget.  

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Photo by Sherri Barber Photography
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Paul Wood Florist in Fort Collins, CO

Located in Old Town Fort Collins, Paul Wood Florist has been in business for decades now.  They have had over 2,000 custom weddings in the Northern Colorado area and offer delivery, setup, and many rental items for your wedding day.  

Paul Wood has a wide selection of colors and flower varieties to choose from, which gives you a lot of flexibility when choosing what you want your bouquet, boutonnieres, and centerpieces to look like.  They also do their best to work within any type of budget, which makes it nice for the couple.
Nature's Grace Design in Fort Collins, CO

Nature’s Grace has designed beautiful arrangements for weddings across Northern Colorado.  They strive to keep up-to-date on the latest styles and trends in the floral community so that they can bring those ideas to you. 

They are very creative with their floral arrangements and centerpieces, which makes the arrangements very unique.  They have been featured fairly recently in Style Me Pretty magazine and have participated in a couple of stylized photo shoots as well.
 
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Of course, My Big Day has worked with many more of the wonderful florists in Colorado!
If you need planning advice, you know who to call!

Have Fun.  Be Young.  Let us know how we can help! 
Original Ideas, superior strategies, your own private party planner...

Christine Kovacs Forster, Owner/ Party Planner
My Big Day llc
Phone: 970-613-1455  or  303-886-3068
Email Us
Located in Loveland, CO
As event planners, we serve the entire front range; Northern Colorado, Southern Wyoming and mountain venues.

Wedding Day Timeline Tips by My Big Day

8/15/2014

 
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Every wedding is unique and My Big Day treats every day as such.  When planning your wedding, smart brides ask for tips to pull the day off smoothly.   The secret to a stress-free wedding day?   Giving yourself enough time to prepare for a VERY full day!

Get the complete breakdown below to what happens on your wedding day. (in general of course)



Getting Ready:

Bride's hair: One hour, depending on the style. This gives enough time to get it right and make any tweaks or changes from the trial run.

Bride's makeup:
45 to 60 minutes, depending on the makeup style the bride selects

Bridesmaids' hair:
30 minutes per person. (depending on style)

Bridesmaids' makeup:
45 minutes per person.

The order:
When your hairstylist arrives, have her start on your bridesmaids first.  This way, the bride can go last so that when her photographer arrives, they catch those last-minute 'getting ready' shots, and the bride looks the freshest.

Photographer arrival time:  One hour prior to formal photo time. This gives your photographer time to walk your wedding site for any last minute photo ideas, and to capture photos of the bride getting ready.

5+ Girls Requiring Hair/Make-up Styling:
ask your stylist to bring an assistant to cut down on time. For makeup, add an assistant after yourself plus two. 

Traveling to a Salon: Double the travel time you anticipate — better to have too much time than not enough.

Photos:

Pre-ceremony photos of the bride with her family and attendants/groom with his family and attendants: Two to three minutes per shot; more if the groups are very large, and less if they are very small. "You must also consider how punctual the groups tend to be and possibly cushion the schedule to allow for unexpected delays.

First look: 15-30 minutes.

Groom and groomsmen arrive: 
An hour and a half before the ceremony. 

Bride and bridesmaids arrive: An hour  before the ceremony. We want to make sure you are hidden before your guests arrive, so they don't get an early peek at your gown!  *If the bride won't be taking photos at the church or ceremony site prior to the ceremony, then she can arrive moments before walking down the aisle and wait in the limo until it's time.

The Ceremony:

Ideal ceremony length:
30 minutes. It's enough time to have meaningful readings and music to make your ceremony unique and memorable.

Receiving line:
For a ceremony with 100 guests or less, this will take 12-15 minutes. With 150 guests, allow 20+ minutes. If you're expecting more than 150 guests, consider skipping the receiving line and visiting guests at their tables during dinner instead.

Maximum gap between ceremony and reception:
One hour.  Any more than that, and we’d recommend suggesting places for your guests to visit between the ceremony and cocktail hour.

Family photos:
Two to three minutes per shot — if your family is properly organized! 

Bridal party:
Two to three minutes per shot.

Didn't have a first look?
Allow 30 minutes post-ceremony for photos of you and your groom.

If you did have a first look,
you'll still want 15-20 minutes post-ceremony for just the two of you.
*Save photos of very large groups (like classmates, coworkers, and large extended family groups) for the reception, when your DJ or band leader can make an announcement to gather everyone. You'll be able to take the photos much faster than trying to track down 50 people during the cocktail hour.

The Reception:

Ideal event length:
Six hours. This will allow an hour for cocktails, two hours for dinner, and three hours for dancing.

First dance:
This can take place immediately after the bride and groom enter the reception,  following the conclusion of dinner, or right after dessert.

Father/daughter dance: Immediately following the first dance.

Mother/son dance:
Immediately following the father/daughter dance. Or, sometimes, this dance is shared with the father/daughter dance.

Welcome toast: Given by the father of the bride or by the bride and groom.

Toasts:
 Ladies first!  Start with the maid of honor, followed by the best man.

Guests invited to dance: Open up the dance floor, and get the party started!

Dessert: 
Two hours before the reception ends. Cake cutting, cupcakes, or whatever you have planned.

Bouquet and garter tosses: Right after the cake cutting, or about two hours before the end of the reception.

Late-night snacks: A popular trend, many couples start passing around bite-size snacks at this point to refuel guests.

Farewell: If you're doing a sparkler farewell, for example, have guests start lining up about 10 minutes before you plan to exit.

For more tips and helpful hints, or to hire My Big Day as your wedding planner -
Contact My Big Day!


Christine Kovacs Forster, Owner/ Party Planner
My Big Day llc
Phone: 970-613-1455  or  303-886-3068
Email Us
Located in Loveland, CO
As event planners, we serve the entire front range; Northern Colorado, Southern Wyoming and mountain venues.

Celebrating Friday the 13th!

6/13/2014

 
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So it's Friday the 13th.... How should you celebrate?
(from Wiki How)

Only around 10 percent of modern day Americans believe that Friday the 13th is an unlucky day, yet it is still a well recognized superstition, causing people to joke about it and be perhaps a little more cautious than usual.  Friday the thirteenth falls between one and three times a year, providing you with a good excuse for celebrating it in a fun way and perhaps, even for facing your fears about it should you have any and that's a fact.

Whether or not you think it's an unlucky day, or an unlucky number, celebrating the day might be a way to throw less negative light on it and serve as some reassurance for you.

CLICK HERE to get Wiki How's Six steps on how to celebrate Friday the 13th!


Gluten-Free Party Planning in Northern Colorado

5/31/2014

 
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Lately My Big Day has received a number of requests for referrals for gluten-free bakeries.  Conscious brides and grooms, and thoughtful party hosts think of their guests when planning an event menu.

Often you may have guests that are vegetarian, vegan, or have allergies towards nuts, dairy, eggs, dyes, etc. You may have guests who have certain religious beliefs that don't allow them to eat pork, or all food they eat must be Kosher. 

While chances are, you won't have to meet all of these requests at your event, there is a growing number of folks who are gluten-free.

There is a popular quote from Julia Child,

"A party without cake is just a meeting."

We think this is pretty accurate. Most parties have a dessert of some sort, and cakes and cupcakes are still the most popular treat!
  Cupcakes and cakes, and most pie crusts contain gluten.  Offering gluten-free desserts doesn't mean you have to sacrifice taste. Gluten-free treats are simply made with a different kind of flour instead of wheat flour (ex: rice, coconut, etc).
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In Northern Colorado there are a number of bakers offering gluten-free goodies.

Here are those we recommend:
  • Becca's Gourmet Goodies (cakes, pies, cupcakes, cookies, etc) - located in Wellington, but they will deliver!
  • PlayCake Bakers (cupcakes) - located in Fort Collins
  • B Sweet Cupcakes (cupcakes) - located in Loveland
  • Batter Up Cakes (cakes and cupcakes) - located in Greeley
  • Buttercream Cupcakery (cupcakes) - located in Fort Collins
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DIETARY CHART
V = Vegetarian
VG = Vegan
NF = Nut Free
DF = Dairy Free
GF = Gluten Free
DyeF = Dye Free
SF = Soy Free
EF = Egg Free
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​My Big Day Company LLC  2006-2022  www.MyBigDayCompany.com 
970-613-1455  or  303-886-3068   EMAIL US

We serve the entire Front Range;  Denver, Southern Wyoming, the CO Mountains, and Northern Colorado: Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Windsor, Berthoud, Estes Park, Lyons, Longmont, Boulder, Wellington, Johnstown, Evans, Severance, Timnath, Mead, Frederick, Firestone, Milliken

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Photo used under Creative Commons from wuestenigel